Healthy Comfort Food: 5 Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

Comfort food is often associated with high calorie, high-fat meals that we indulge in to feel good. However, comfort food can also be healthy and nutritious. Here are five recipes that will satisfy your cravings without compromising your health.

1. Quesadilla with Avocado and Black Beans

Ingredients:
– whole wheat tortillas
– avocado, mashed
– black beans, drained and rinsed
– shredded cheese
– diced tomatoes
– cilantro, chopped

Directions:
1. Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla on the pan and spread mashed avocado on half of it.
3. Add black beans, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and cilantro on top of the avocado.
4. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling and press down gently.
5. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
6. Serve hot.

2. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:
– sweet potatoes, cut into fries
– olive oil
– salt
– paprika

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt and paprika.
4. Spread the fries on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the fries are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve hot.

3. Turkey Chili

Ingredients:
– ground turkey
– diced tomatoes
– kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– onion, chopped
– garlic, minced
– chili powder
– cumin
– paprika
– salt
– pepper

Directions:
1. In a large pot, cook ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
4. Stir well and let the chili simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes.
5. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as chopped avocado, shredded cheese and sour cream.

4. Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:
– boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– whole wheat breadcrumbs
– grated Parmesan cheese
– garlic powder
– salt
– pepper
– tomato sauce
– mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Dip chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture and coat evenly.
5. Place the chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
6. Spoon tomato sauce over the chicken and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot.

5. Chocolate Chia Pudding

Ingredients:
– chia seeds
– almond milk
– cocoa powder
– pure maple syrup
– vanilla extract

Directions:
1. In a bowl, mix chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, pure maple syrup and vanilla extract.
2. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. Serve chilled with your choice of toppings such as fresh berries and sliced almonds.

Conclusion

Comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy. These five recipes offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional comfort food. Try them out and satisfy your cravings without the guilt.